Pancytopenia Causes

Pancytopenia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of blood cells. We all know that a deficiency of red blood cells is called anemia. In case of low white blood cell count, the condition is termed as leukopenia and if the platelets count is very low, then it is thrombocytopenia. In some people, all the three conditions occur and such a condition, wherein three different and vital blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) are found to be deficient is called pancytopenia. The symptoms and causes of pancytopenia may vary from one person to another.

Possible Causes of Pancytopenia

Pancytopenia is a medical condition with a wide range of symptoms and diverse causes. Till date, very little is known about the various aspects of this disease. According to some health experts, the basic cause for the occurrence of pancytopenia can be some bone marrow problem, that affects the production of blood cells. Primarily, this medical condition is said to occur due to idiopathic and congenital reasons. The following are some of the possible pancytopenia causes. These causes can be classified into three groups - diseases, medication and medical procedures.

Medical Conditions that May Cause Pancytopenia
It is said that the most common cause for pancytopenia is aplastic anemia. Apart from that, bone marrow disease, leukemia, malignant osteoporosis, dyskeratosis congenita, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, leishmaniasis and familial hemophagocytic syndrome, may lead to pancytopenia. It is also suggested that infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, Epstein - Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV, etc. may also be causative agents for this medical condition. In some rare cases, hepatitis A, rubella, influenza, parainfluenza, measles and mumps are also considered pancytopenia causes. Even arsenic poisoning, mononucleosis, hemoglobinuria, alimentary toxic aleukia, hypersplenism and systemic lupus erythematosus, may lead to this condition.

Drugs and Medical Procedures
Some types of medicines are also said to cause pancytopenia, but it has been noted that in most cases, this cause is not identified. Studies show that there are many different groups of medication that may cause this condition. These includes cytotoxics, certain antibiotics and NSAIDs, chloramphenicol, anti thyroid drugs, some medicines used in the treatment of diabetes, heart problems and blood pressure, sulfonamides and colchicine. Some medical procedures like chemotherapy is also included as one of the pancytopenia causes.

Pancytopenia symptoms too vary with the cause and severity of the condition. As this condition is a combination of anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, the affected person may experience symptoms associated with these conditions. In most cases, the initial symptoms are often mild in nature, but as the condition worsens, the symptoms too become severe. Such symptoms include easy bruising, bleeding from the nose and gums, puffiness of face, edema, fatigue, dizziness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, headache, pallor, petachiae, rectal bleeding and frequent infections. Dagnosis is done by monitoring the changing count of the blood cells and bone marrow biopsy. Pancytopenia treatment aims at reversal of the underlying cause and restoration of the blood cell count. In some cases, bone marrow transplant may also be needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.